Run Away, Astrid

iii. bad blood

iii. bad blood

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As soon as the news of Astrid's disappearance becomes public, it quickly becomes viral. Not only because it is the 21st disappearance as of today, according to the authorities, but also because of the $3 million reward.

As time passes, such an incident has sparked various discussions. People are expressing their opinions or insights about the situation. While most citizens are concerned about their safety, some still think that this isn't true, despite factual evidence being displayed right in front of them.

There are also rumors and theories circulating in the country concerning the infamous 21 missing children from privileged households. Some are speculating that an illegal organization is kidnapping them for, perhaps, ransom or some sort of penalty for terminating their contracts, while some are guessing that a new serial killer has just appeared in the country. Of course, in Astrid's case, none of these theories are true, as she has decided to leave everything behind.

Perhaps Astrid and Athena are lucky that no one has noticed them being together and theorizing that they ran away. Although they are not sure when will this moment last. People have eyes. Surely, they will find out if they are able to gain evidence. The likelihood of that occurring is high, especially given how eager people are for the windfall.

Unless . . . one of them has a plan.

"You're all over the internet, honey," says Athena, scrolling down her bed. She is sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard as Astrid is lying down beside her.

"Hm?" Astrid responds. "This isn't good."

Athena nods. "Yeah. The more people who know you, the more difficult it is to remain anonymous. I suppose it's a good idea to shelter at an abandoned hotel in the woods for the time being. At least, there are no people around aside from the four of us."

Astrid exhales a sigh. "It's quite scary in here. It's dark and cold. We could've just stayed in your house."

After Astrid consented to join her, Athena took her to an abandoned hotel in the woods as their accommodation. Despite the lack of air conditioning, the building is gloomy and frigid, as Astrid stated. They are lighting themselves with a little lamp, a flashlight, and the light of the moon.

The place isn't that filthy or cluttered, as if someone has recently cleaned the area. Although there are still dust and fallen leaves in the vicinity, as well as damaged furniture scattered throughout the hotel. Their chamber, however, is tidy. The bed is sturdy and the mattress is soft enough for them to sleep comfortably. There is no dust, fallen leaves, or grime on the floor. In the restroom, there is also a huge drum filled with water, providing them with an ample supply of clean water. Lastly, the wooden window shutter in front of their bed has been destroyed, enabling moonlight and wind to enter the chamber.

They have several choices, but Athena picks the abandoned hotel for fear that people may identify her and Astrid in case Astrid's family places her on a bounty. The hotel is the finest place to hide for a short period of time. At least, there are no people around and no one will find them.

"The maids will notice you," responds Athena. "Not that I don't trust them to keep a secret, but it's better to be safe than sorry. We're fortunate to have come here in the middle of the woods, and your disappearance becoming viral won't be a problem for a while."

Astrid submits in silence, staring off into space as though deep in thought. Then she speaks, "I'm sure my mother has gone feral. Selene has most likely already informed them that I was not with her yesterday. I know she made a promise, but I also know she'll give them information to help them find me. She's just worried, and I feel awful since I placed her in such a tough situation."